Describe a time when you received something without having to pay for it

Trong cuộc sống, đôi khi chúng ta nhận được một món quà hoặc một thứ gì đó mà không cần phải trả tiền, có thể từ gia đình, bạn bè, hoặc thậm chí từ một người lạ. Với đề bài "Describe a time when you received something without having to pay for it", bạn cần kể về trải nghiệm nhận được một món đồ miễn phí, bao gồm: đó là gì, ai tặng bạn, trong hoàn cảnh nào, và cảm xúc của bạn khi nhận được nó.

Nếu bạn vẫn chưa có ý tưởng gì để chuẩn bị cho đề bài Describe a time when you received something without having to pay for it hoặc Describe something you received for free thì hãy tham khảo ngay bài viết này của SOL IELTS nhé. 

IELTS Speaking part 2

1. Đề bài

Describe a time when you received something without having to pay for it/ Describe something you received for free
You should say:

• What it was
• Who you received it from
• Where you received it
• And how you felt about it

2. Chuẩn bị ý tưởng

Trong 1 phút chuẩn bị, bạn có thể suy nghĩ theo các bước sau:

• Chọn một món đồ phù hợp: Một món quà sinh nhật, một suất học bổng, một đồ vật được tặng trong sự kiện, v.v.
• Ai tặng bạn: Người thân, bạn bè, tổ chức từ thiện, một cửa hàng phát miễn phí, v.v.
• Hoàn cảnh nhận được: Dịp đặc biệt, may mắn trong một sự kiện, phần thưởng vì đạt thành tích nào đó…
• Cảm xúc của bạn: Vui mừng, biết ơn, bất ngờ, hạnh phúc…

3. Sample Answer 1

A time when I received something for free was when my best friend gave me a book that I had wanted to read for a long time.

It was "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, a famous book about building good habits and breaking bad ones. I had been planning to buy it for months, but I kept postponing it. One day, out of nowhere, my friend surprised me with a copy of the book as a gift.

I received it at a café where we often hang out together. She casually placed the book on the table and said, "Here you go! I know you've been wanting this." I was really surprised and touched by her thoughtful gesture.

I felt grateful and happy because it was not just about the book itself, but also about the fact that my friend remembered what I liked. The book turned out to be incredibly useful, and I learned a lot from it. Every time I see it on my shelf, I think of that kind moment.

4. Sample Answer 2

A few months ago, I received a free book from a charity event, and it was quite a memorable experience. The book was a Vietnamese novel called “Cho Tôi Xin Một Vé Đi Tuổi Thơ” by Nguyễn Nhật Ánh, which translates to “Give Me a Ticket to Childhood”.

I got it from a volunteer group that was organizing a book donation event in my city. Their goal was to encourage reading among young people, and they were giving away books to anyone interested. I happened to pass by their booth while walking around a park, and when I stopped to look, a friendly volunteer asked me about my favorite genres. After a short conversation, she handed me this book and said, “I think you’ll enjoy this one.”

I was really surprised because I hadn’t expected to receive anything that day. The book itself was in great condition, almost new, and it was a title I had heard about but never had the chance to read. I took it home, started reading, and quickly got absorbed in the nostalgic and humorous stories about childhood.

Receiving this book for free made me appreciate the kindness of strangers and the power of books in bringing people together. It also reminded me of how small gestures, like sharing a book, can have a big impact on someone’s life.

5. Sample Answer 2 

One time, I unexpectedly received a free wireless earphone from a promotional event at a shopping mall.

It happened about a year ago when I was shopping with my family. There was a brand promoting their new products, and they were giving away free gifts to lucky customers who participated in their mini-games. I decided to join just for fun, and surprisingly, I won a pair of wireless earbuds!

I received the prize right at the mall’s promotional booth. The staff congratulated me and handed me the box. At first, I couldn't believe my luck because I had never won anything like that before.

I felt really excited and lucky because I had actually been thinking about buying wireless earphones for a while. Winning them for free was such a nice surprise. I used them almost every day, and every time I put them on, I remembered that fun experience at the mall.

6. Từ vựng hữu ích

Tặng các bạn một số từ vựng IELTS hữu ích nha:

• Postpone (v) – Hoãn lại.
• Out of nowhere – Bất ngờ, không báo trước.
• Thoughtful gesture – Hành động chu đáo.
• Grateful and happy – Biết ơn và hạnh phúc.
• Promotional event – Sự kiện quảng bá.
• Mini-games – Trò chơi nhỏ trong sự kiện.
• Promotional booth – Gian hàng quảng bá.
• Couldn't believe my luck – Không thể tin vào may mắn của mình.
• A nice surprise – Một bất ngờ thú vị.
• Remember that fun experience – Nhớ về trải nghiệm thú vị đó.

IELTS Speaking part 3

được in đậm và giải thích. Mỗi câu hỏi sẽ có 2 sample answers từ 2 góc nhìn khác nhau.

1. What kinds of free services should be provided by the government?

Sample Answer 1:

"I believe the government should provide essential services like healthcare, education, and public transportation for free. These services are fundamental to people’s well-being and social equality. For example, free healthcare ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial status, can access medical treatment. Similarly, free education helps to reduce inequality and provides opportunities for personal growth. In my opinion, these services are the backbone of a progressive society."

Từ vựng hữu ích:

• essential services /ɪˈsɛnʃl ˈsɜːvɪsɪz/: dịch vụ thiết yếu

• healthcare /ˈhɛlθkeə/: chăm sóc sức khỏe

• education /ˌɛdʒʊˈkeɪʃn/: giáo dục

• public transportation /ˈpʌblɪk ˌtrænspɔːˈteɪʃn/: giao thông công cộng

• fundamental /ˌfʌndəˈmɛntl/: cơ bản, nền tảng

• social equality /ˈsəʊʃl iˈkwɒlɪti/: bình đẳng xã hội

• financial status /faɪˈnænʃl ˈsteɪtəs/: tình trạng tài chính

• medical treatment /ˈmɛdɪkl ˈtriːtmənt/: điều trị y tế

• reduce inequality /rɪˈdjuːs ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti/: giảm bất bình đẳng

• personal growth /ˈpɜːsənl ɡrəʊθ/: phát triển cá nhân

• backbone /ˈbækbəʊn/: xương sống

• progressive society /prəˈɡrɛsɪv səˈsaɪəti/: xã hội tiến bộ

Sample Answer 2:

"In addition to basic services, I think the government should offer free digital services like internet access and online education platforms. In today’s digital age, these services are crucial for bridging the gap between different social groups. For instance, free internet can help rural communities access information and job opportunities, while online education platforms can provide lifelong learning opportunities. In my view, these services are indispensable for economic development and social inclusion."

Từ vựng hữu ích:

• digital services /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈsɜːvɪsɪz/: dịch vụ kỹ thuật số

• internet access /ˈɪntənɛt ˈæksɛs/: truy cập internet

• online education platforms /ˈɒnlaɪn ˌɛdʒʊˈkeɪʃn ˈplætfɔːmz/: nền tảng giáo dục trực tuyến

• digital age /ˈdɪdʒɪtl eɪdʒ/: thời đại kỹ thuật số

• bridging the gap /ˈbrɪdʒɪŋ ðə ɡæp/: thu hẹp khoảng cách

• rural communities /ˈrʊərəl kəˈmjuːnɪtiz/: cộng đồng nông thôn

• information /ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn/: thông tin

• job opportunities /dʒɒb ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtiz/: cơ hội việc làm

• lifelong learning /ˈlaɪflɒŋ ˈlɜːnɪŋ/: học tập suốt đời

• indispensable /ˌɪndɪˈspɛnsəbl/: không thể thiếu

• economic development /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈvɛləpmənt/: phát triển kinh tế

• social inclusion /ˈsəʊʃl ɪnˈkluːʒn/: hòa nhập xã hội

2. Will people be happy when they receive free things?

Sample Answer 1:

"Absolutely, most people would be delighted to receive free things, especially if they are useful or valuable. For example, receiving free healthcare services or educational resources can significantly improve their quality of life. Additionally, free items like gifts or discounts from companies often create a sense of appreciation and loyalty among customers. In my opinion, free things can bring joy and relief, especially for those who are financially struggling."

Từ vựng hữu ích:

• delighted /dɪˈlaɪtɪd/: vui mừng

• useful /ˈjuːsfʊl/: hữu ích

• valuable /ˈvæljʊəbl/: có giá trị

• healthcare services /ˈhɛlθkeə ˈsɜːvɪsɪz/: dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe

• educational resources /ˌɛdʒʊˈkeɪʃənl rɪˈsɔːsɪz/: tài nguyên giáo dục

• improve their quality of life /ɪmˈpruːv ðeə ˈkwɒlɪti əv laɪf/: cải thiện chất lượng cuộc sống

• gifts /ɡɪfts/: quà tặng

• discounts /ˈdɪskaʊnts/: giảm giá

• appreciation /əˌpriːʃɪˈeɪʃn/: sự trân trọng

• loyalty /ˈlɔɪəlti/: lòng trung thành

• joy /dʒɔɪ/: niềm vui

• relief /rɪˈliːf/: sự nhẹ nhõm

• financially struggling /faɪˈnænʃəli ˈstrʌɡlɪŋ/: gặp khó khăn tài chính

Sample Answer 2:

"While many people would be happy to receive free things, it depends on the context and quality of what is being offered. For instance, if the free items are low-quality or unnecessary, people might not appreciate them. Additionally, some might feel uncomfortable accepting free things due to cultural norms or a sense of obligation. In my view, free things are most appreciated when they are thoughtful and relevant to people’s needs."

Từ vựng hữu ích:

• context /ˈkɒntɛkst/: bối cảnh

• quality /ˈkwɒlɪti/: chất lượng

• low-quality /ˌləʊ ˈkwɒlɪti/: chất lượng thấp

• unnecessary /ʌnˈnɛsəsəri/: không cần thiết

• uncomfortable /ʌnˈkʌmftəbl/: không thoải mái

• cultural norms /ˈkʌltʃərəl nɔːmz/: chuẩn mực văn hóa

• obligation /ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃn/: nghĩa vụ

• thoughtful /ˈθɔːtfʊl/: chu đáo

• relevant /ˈrɛlɪvənt/: phù hợp

3. Is it necessary to provide free public transportation?

Sample Answer 1 :

"Yes, I believe free public transportation is essential for creating a sustainable and inclusive society. Firstly, it encourages people to use eco-friendly modes of transport, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. Secondly, it ensures that everyone, especially low-income individuals, can access work, education, and healthcare services. For example, in cities like Paris, free public transport has significantly improved mobility and quality of life. In my opinion, it’s a worthwhile investment for the future."

Từ vựng hữu ích:

• essential /ɪˈsɛnʃl/: cần thiết

• sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/: bền vững

• inclusive society /ɪnˈkluːsɪv səˈsaɪəti/: xã hội hòa nhập

• eco-friendly modes of transport /ˌiːkəʊˈfrɛndli məʊdz əv ˈtrænspɔːt/: phương tiện giao thông thân thiện với môi trường

• traffic congestion /ˈtræfɪk kənˈdʒɛstʃən/: ùn tắc giao thông

• air pollution /eə pəˈluːʃn/: ô nhiễm không khí

• low-income individuals /ˌləʊ ˈɪnkʌm ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒʊəlz/: cá nhân thu nhập thấp

• mobility /məʊˈbɪlɪti/: sự di chuyển

• quality of life /ˈkwɒlɪti əv laɪf/: chất lượng cuộc sống

• worthwhile investment /ˌwɜːθˈwaɪl ɪnˈvɛstmənt/: đầu tư xứng đáng

Sample Answer 2 :

"While free public transportation has its benefits, I think it’s important to consider the financial implications. Providing free services requires significant government funding, which might lead to higher taxes or budget cuts in other areas. Additionally, free transport could result in overcrowding and maintenance challenges. In my view, a subsidized system that offers discounted fares for certain groups might be a more balanced approach."

Từ vựng hữu ích:

• financial implications /faɪˈnænʃl ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃnz/: hệ quả tài chính

• government funding /ˈɡʌvənmənt ˈfʌndɪŋ/: ngân sách chính phủ

• higher taxes /ˈhaɪə tæksɪz/: thuế cao hơn

• budget cuts /ˈbʌdʒɪt kʌts/: cắt giảm ngân sách

• overcrowding /ˌəʊvəˈkraʊdɪŋ/: quá tải

• maintenance challenges /ˈmeɪntənəns ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/: thách thức bảo trì

• subsidized system /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪzd ˈsɪstəm/: hệ thống trợ giá

• discounted fares /ˈdɪskaʊntɪd feəz/: giá vé giảm

• balanced approach /ˈbælənst əˈprəʊtʃ/: cách tiếp cận cân bằng

4. Why should everyone have access to basic healthcare?

Sample Answer 1:

"Access to basic healthcare is a fundamental human right because it ensures that everyone can live a healthy and dignified life. Without healthcare, people might suffer from preventable diseases or face financial ruin due to medical bills. For example, in countries with universal healthcare, citizens enjoy longer life expectancy and better quality of life. In my opinion, healthcare should be affordable and accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic status."

Từ vựng hữu ích:

• fundamental human right /ˌfʌndəˈmɛntl ˈhjuːmən raɪt/: quyền con người cơ bản

• healthy /ˈhɛlθi/: khỏe mạnh

• dignified life /ˈdɪɡnɪfaɪd laɪf/: cuộc sống đàng hoàng

• preventable diseases /prɪˈvɛntəbl dɪˈziːzɪz/: bệnh có thể phòng ngừa

• financial ruin /faɪˈnænʃl ˈruːɪn/: phá sản tài chính

• universal healthcare /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈhɛlθkeə/: chăm sóc sức khỏe toàn dân

• longer life expectancy /ˈlɒŋɡə laɪf ɪkˈspɛktənsi/: tuổi thọ cao hơn

• better quality of life /ˈbɛtə ˈkwɒlɪti əv laɪf/: chất lượng cuộc sống tốt hơn

• affordable /əˈfɔːdəbl/: giá cả phải chăng

• accessible /əkˈsɛsəbl/: dễ tiếp cận

• socioeconomic status /ˌsəʊsiəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈsteɪtəs/: tình trạng kinh tế xã hội

Sample Answer 2:

"Providing basic healthcare to everyone is beneficial for society as a whole. It helps to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, which can have a devastating impact on communities. Additionally, healthy individuals are more productive and can contribute more effectively to the economy. For instance, countries with strong healthcare systems often experience lower poverty rates and higher economic growth. In my view, healthcare is not just a personal benefit but a collective responsibility."

Từ vựng hữu ích:

• beneficial /ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃl/: có lợi

• reduce the spread of infectious diseases /rɪˈdjuːs ðə sprɛd əv ɪnˈfɛkʃəs dɪˈziːzɪz/: giảm sự lây lan của bệnh truyền nhiễm

• devastating impact /ˈdɛvəsteɪtɪŋ ˈɪmpækt/: tác động tàn phá

• productive /prəˈdʌktɪv/: năng suất

• economy /ɪˈkɒnəmi/: nền kinh tế

• lower poverty rates /ˈləʊə ˈpɒvəti reɪts/: tỷ lệ nghèo thấp hơn

• higher economic growth /ˈhaɪər ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡrəʊθ/: tăng trưởng kinh tế cao hơn

• collective responsibility /kəˈlɛktɪv rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪlɪti/: trách nhiệm tập thể

5. Why do customers like to receive free gifts from companies?

Sample Answer 1:

"Customers enjoy receiving free gifts because it creates a sense of excitement and appreciation. Free gifts are often seen as a token of gratitude from companies, which helps to build loyalty and positive brand perception. For example, receiving a free sample or a small gift with a purchase can make customers feel valued and more likely to return. In my opinion, free gifts are a win-win strategy for both businesses and consumers."

Từ vựng hữu ích:

• excitement /ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/: sự phấn khích

• appreciation /əˌpriːʃɪˈeɪʃn/: sự trân trọng

• token of gratitude /ˈtəʊkən əv ˈɡrætɪtjuːd/: biểu hiện của lòng biết ơn

• build loyalty /bɪld ˈlɔɪəlti/: xây dựng lòng trung thành

• positive brand perception /ˈpɒzətɪv brænd pəˈsɛpʃn/: nhận thức tích cực về thương hiệu

• valued /ˈvæljuːd/: được đánh giá cao

• win-win strategy /ˌwɪn ˈwɪn ˈstrætədʒi/: chiến lược đôi bên cùng có lợi

Sample Answer 2:

"Free gifts are attractive because they offer added value to customers without any extra cost. For instance, receiving a free gift with a purchase can make customers feel like they are getting a good deal. Additionally, free gifts can serve as a way for companies to introduce new products or promote their brand. In my view, free gifts are a smart marketing tactic that benefits both parties."

Từ vựng hữu ích:

• added value /ˈædɪd ˈvæljuː/: giá trị gia tăng

• extra cost /ˈɛkstrə kɒst/: chi phí thêm

• good deal /ɡʊd diːl/: món hời

• introduce new products /ˌɪntrəˈdjuːs njuː ˈprɒdʌkts/: giới thiệu sản phẩm mới

• promote their brand /prəˈməʊt ðeə brænd/: quảng bá thương hiệu

• smart marketing tactic /smɑːt ˈmɑːkɪtɪŋ ˈtæktɪk/: chiến thuật marketing thông minh

6. Is it good or bad for people to have a free education in the future?

Sample Answer 1:

"Free education is undoubtedly beneficial for society. It ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial background, has access to knowledge and opportunities. For example, countries with free education systems often have higher literacy rates and lower inequality. Additionally, free education can empower individuals to contribute more effectively to the economy and society. In my opinion, it’s a worthwhile investment in the future."

Từ vựng hữu ích:

• undoubtedly beneficial /ʌnˈdaʊtɪdli ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃl/: không nghi ngờ gì là có lợi

• financial background /faɪˈnænʃl ˈbækɡraʊnd/: hoàn cảnh tài chính

• knowledge /ˈnɒlɪdʒ/: kiến thức

• opportunities /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtiz/: cơ hội

• higher literacy rates /ˈhaɪə ˈlɪtərəsi reɪts/: tỷ lệ biết chữ cao hơn

• lower inequality /ˈləʊə ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti/: bất bình đẳng thấp hơn

• empower individuals /ɪmˈpaʊər ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒʊəlz/: trao quyền cho cá nhân

• economy /ɪˈkɒnəmi/: nền kinh tế

• society /səˈsaɪəti/: xã hội

• worthwhile investment /ˌwɜːθˈwaɪl ɪnˈvɛstmənt/: đầu tư xứng đáng

Sample Answer 2:

"While free education has many advantages, it’s important to consider the financial burden it might place on governments. Providing free education for all requires significant funding, which could lead to higher taxes or cuts in other public services. Additionally, the quality of education might suffer if resources are spread too thin. In my view, a balanced approach that combines free education with private funding might be more sustainable."

Từ vựng hữu ích:

• financial burden /faɪˈnænʃl ˈbɜːdn/: gánh nặng tài chính

• funding /ˈfʌndɪŋ/: ngân sách

• higher taxes /ˈhaɪə tæksɪz/: thuế cao hơn

• cuts in other public services /kʌts ɪn ˈʌðə ˈpʌblɪk ˈsɜːvɪsɪz/: cắt giảm các dịch vụ công khác

• quality of education /ˈkwɒlɪti əv ˌɛdʒʊˈkeɪʃn/: chất lượng giáo dục

• balanced approach /ˈbælənst əˈprəʊtʃ/: cách tiếp cận cân bằng

• private funding /ˈpraɪvɪt ˈfʌndɪŋ/: ngân sách tư nhân

• sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/: bền vững

Hy vọng bài chữa đề này giúp bạn có thêm ý tưởng và cách diễn đạt linh hoạt trong IELTS Speaking Part 2!